Join Ranger Nikki for a talk about our desert’s majestic saguaro cacti. Learn about their life cycle from tiny seed to fallen skeleton and all of the beneficial things it provides in between. This program will take place inside the Nature Center and venture outside a short distance for firsthand observations. Wear closed-toe shoes and [...]
Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Evan will host this discovery station table at the Usery Nature Center. Nearby there are live examples of a variety of cacti to see on the trail next to the center. No registration required. Just drop in anytime between 12pm and 2pm!
Did you know that rattlesnakes give birth to live young? Did you know that Gila Monsters are the only venomous lizard in the US? Join Ranger Steve at the White Tank Nature Center to get all your venomous animal questions answered, and perhaps even meet a few animals! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center Lobby No registration [...]
Join Ranger Evan for an exciting evening hike along the park Trails. We’ll be hoping to see all sorts of critters of the night! The trail is rated easy-moderate with some rocky, uneven surfaces and some elevation change. Please bring water and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring flashlights and black lights if you have them; [...]
Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about the nocturnal animals on this guided hike. Wildlife we may see includes scorpions, spiders, insects, owls, nightjars, reptiles, and mammals! We will hike 1-2 miles roundtrip depending on heat and participant interest on the Rock Peak Wash Trail. The hike will be on easy, but sandy [...]
Bird walk at the Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park (EOP) led by docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River and other local organizations.
Come join Ranger Kevin as we hike approximately 2 miles on the Beardsley Trail, starting in a riparian area before rising into a more typical Sonoran Desert landscape. Trail is rated easy, with few sections of loose, rocky terrain, and little elevation change. We'll be stopping to look at various plants and animals, including birds, [...]
Want to get a good work out and learn a lot? If the answer is yes, then this program is perfect for you. Join Ranger Evan for a splendid 3.0-mile hike through the desert on Wind Cave Trail! On this difficult level hike, we will be discussing the unique ecology of the Sonoran Desert, adaptations [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 3-mile hike on easy to moderate terrain to see and learn about saguaros, cholla, palo verde trees and more. The route uses San Tan, Stargazer and Moonlight Trails plus the park’s Service Road trail. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and plenty of water. Restrooms and water [...]
Bird walk at San Pedro House led by docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River and other local organizations.
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 1.5-mile night hike on the Quail Trail. We will be looking for all three species of scorpion native to our neck of the Sonoran Desert: Striped-tail, Bark, and, of course, the Giant Desert Hairy. Who knows what else we may see? Trail is rated easy, with some loose rock/uneven [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an exciting after-dark 2.5 mile hike along the Spur Cross and Metate Trails. We’ll be on the lookout for all kinds of evening-active critters, from skunks to scorpions, spiders, snakes, fox, coyote, deer, owls and more! The trail is rated easy-moderate with some rocky, uneven surfaces and some elevation change. Please [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided bird walk to look and listen for resident and migrant species within the diverse desert riparian habitat of the Hassayampa River Preserve. Along the way, we will discuss eBird and citizen science, how to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them [...]
The hike will cover 2.6 miles on the Blevins trail. This hike is rated as easy, plan to walk on rocky and sandy trail. It is encouraged that you water supportive shoes and if inclines or declines are an issue for you take along some trekking poles. Please bring your own flashlights and blacklights if [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an exciting evening hike along the park trails. We’ll be hoping to see all sorts of critters of the night! The trail is rated easy-moderate with some rocky, uneven surfaces and some elevation change. Please bring water and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring flashlights and black lights if you have them. [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 4.5-mile easy to moderate hike at sunrise to enjoy the sights and sounds of the morning desert. We will watch for birds, mammals and reptiles as the sun rises and the day warms up. The route follows San Tan, Hedgehog and Moonlight Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, [...]
This is a hands-on class. There will be a "classroom" session followed by putting theory into practice--actually paddling a kayak on the water. This course is designed to equip paddlers with basic skills to get from point A to point B successfully, understand the legal responsibilities that come with getting on the water, and what [...]
Stop by the Nature Center anytime between 8:30 and 9:30am to visit with Ranger Nikki and learn about San Tan’s permitted animal ambassadors. Meet Wally the Chuckwalla, Cleo the Kingsnake, Cherry the Tarantula and more. Informational handouts and coloring sheets will be available to take home. Meeting Location: Nature Center Critter Room No registration required.
A discovery table will be set up in the critter room in the Nature Center. The table will include natural history artifacts including cactus skeletons, insects, bones, as well as native American artifacts. You will have the opportunity to hold a snake and get up close to several other desert natives. Coloring pages will be [...]
Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Eric will host this discovery station table at the Lake Pleasant Discovery Center. Nearby there are live examples of a variety of cacti to see on the trail next to the center. MEETING LOCATION: Discovery Center No registration required. Just drop in anytime [...]
Join Ranger Steve in the lobby of the Nature Center for a drop-in informational session about the venomous creatures that inhabit the Sonoran Desert! Learn about popular myths surrounding rattlesnakes, Gila Monsters, and even meet a few of our wildlife ambassadors! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required. Just drop in anytime between 12pm and [...]
Join Ranger Shaun for an evening of education and entertainment quite unlike a normal night on Netflix. Immerse yourself in Bug Theater when the sun sets, and a spotlight allows us to draw in critters from the evening air. Equipped with some catch jars, a magnifying glass, and a sense of adventure; children and adults [...]
It's Saturday, y'all! You earned it. Grab your bike gear and join Santan Shredders for some good ole mountain biking fun. We'll kick up a little dirt, meet new folks and work up an appetite just in time for lunch. No matter what the reason, come on out! If you're new to Shredders - WELCOME!!! [...]
Ride with Confidence: MTB Fundamental Skills and Trail Session: This class is for the beginner, intermediate and experienced rider looking to lay the proper foundational skills for improved confidence. Our ICP Certified Skills coaches will introduce you to: - Pre-ride bike check - Trail etiquette - Intro to the key foundational Skills (Ready position, Bike/Body [...]
Did you know that over 300 species of birds have been found at the Hassayampa River Preserve? Enjoy an easy-paced walk with seasoned birder and bird bander Anne Leight to spot and identify the many resident and migratory birds of the Preserve. Some binoculars are available to borrow. MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center. Limit 10 participants. To register, please call [...]
Interpretive walk led by docents of the Friends of the San Pedro River. The San Pedro House, a 1930’s-era converted ranch house operating as a gift and bookstore, leads guided interpretive walks/hikes along the river and throughout the adjacent area, presents educational programs to schools and community groups, and assists the BLM in a variety [...]
Interpretive walk led by docents of the Friends of the San Pedro River.
This is a hands-on class. There will be a "classroom" session followed by putting theory into practice--actually paddling a kayak on the water. This course is designed to equip paddlers with basic skills to get from point A to point B successfully, understand the legal responsibilities that come with getting on the water, and what [...]
Arizona is home to the largest contiguous stand of Ponderosa pine in the world! Come learn interesting biological and cultural facets of Ponderosa pine ecosystems from a retired Forester. ! Suggested donation for adults $10. Kids and members FREE
Join Ranger Kevin for an easy 2-mile night hike on the Tortoise and Hilltop trails. We will be looking for all three species of scorpion native to our neck of the Sonoran Desert: Striped-tail, Bark, and, of course, the Giant Desert Hairy. Who knows what else we may see? Trails are rated easy, with minimal [...]
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